Monthly Archive for November, 2010

Recently I have been getting inquiries about what the codes and colored boxes mean on postal Junk mail address labels.

It’s an very difficult question to answer because I am afraid most all catalogs have different meanings and different numbers. The reason is that catalog companies use their internal tracking customer numbers, catalog numbers, reference numbers, source codes, etc… to track where they got your information from or which catalog you are ordering from.

Sometimes catalogs will send a one off mailing and there will only be one code on the catalog. Some will have all sorts of numbers because you are a current customer. These codes will tell them 2 things; where they got your name from and how to track the order when you purchase from the mailing.

Here are some of the address label codes from catalogs demystified in relationship to opting out of junk mail:

USPS Postal bulk mailing codes which are not relevant:

1. In General the first line of the Address label looks like:
*******************ECRLOT 0123D**C-018
are not relevant.

2. Numbers to the left or right of your name that look like
003
P290
92675
Are also not relevant they are USPS Postal mailing codes and permit numbers that the Post Office uses on bulk mailings.

Relevant Direct Mail Codes:

1. Colored boxes
These are generally marked clearly as customer Number and catalog/source/keycode. When using stopthejunkmail.com to remove your name from mailing lists, use these numbers in the corresponding entry areas provided or write “Catalog Code LL2369110” to be clear.

2. Non Labeled Codes and Numbers
Sometimes you will also find a number in the first line above your name, this is generally the Customer Number. They may even appear with a C as the first letter.

3. How do you confirm that you have the right codes?
Most catalogs have an order form inside the cover or a lift out flyer in the middle of the catalog. In here your name and address will be printed and above it there will be the same numbers as there are on the address label. This will confirm which numbers are relevant.

4. Stopthejunkmail.com
Our website provides entry boxes for members to enter as much of the relevant codes information as possible, but they are only guidelines. If you see a code that says Ref#, then write Ref# in the box provided. If you have a string of numbers without a label then just write them all out as they appear in the boxes provided.

Summary
All of these numbers are meaningful to the direct mail company and will help them determine where your name came from, if it was rented, bought, shared or on their own mailing list. Supplying this information when you are removing your name from mailing lists will make sure you are removed quickly and efficiently.

Have you ever thought that using a service such as www.stopthejunkmail.com can act as a spam filter for your postal Junk Mail?

You can filter your spam from your email accounts and filter computer games, advertising and websites on your computer. There are also devices where you can filter TV programs from children, but there is no such thing for your postal mail box.

You are a captive audience when you move into an apartment, buy a house or sign a lease. Direct mailers have hit on the one thing you cannot turn off, walk away from, block or spam filter! How ingenious!

The importance of entering your customer or account number when opting out of catalogs is very important as detailed below in email responses we have received at www.stopthejunkmail.com’s customer service department recently for opt outs from Patagonia.

The address label on your catalog contains precise information so the catalog company can locate your personal information in their database. If you do not have your exact name and include the customer number then you will probably not be removed from their mailing list.

*****************************
> Hello,
>
> Is there a customer number on the back of the catalog in a blue box? I
> cannot locate the name or address in our database. If there is no
> customer number or it is all zeroes it was a one-time mailing from us.
>
> Have a good day!
> Skye
> Patagonia Customer Service
>

Another Reply-

> Hi,
>
> Thank you for your email. Unfortunately we were unable to find you in
> our system and if you have a customer number we can then remove you from
> our list. If you do not have a customer number and it’s all zeros, it
> was a one time mailing from us. You can also go to
> http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html to have your name
> and address removed from other mailings.
>
> Thank you and have a good day!
>
> Patagonia Customer Service
>
>

And Another Reply—-

> Thank you for your email.
>
> Is there a customer number on the back of the catalog? If so, we need
> that number to remove you from our mailing list. If not, or the number
> is all zeros, it was a one time mailing from us.
>
> All the best!
>
> Patagonia Customer Service

Well it’s that time of year again, although I have read some recent blogs and articles about how the direct mail industry has been hit by the recession I don’t believe that this year will be much different. I would think they will be trying any method in order to get sales.

So, it is the time to get to work to block those Holiday catalogs coming to your mail box. You already have the “Back to School” Catalogs I am sure and the Fall issues trying to sell you Halloween and thanksgiving items.

Why now? Well most of these companies are already setting up printing for their holiday issues and photo shoots are completed. Catalog companies don’t do their own mailing, they leave it to bulk mailers who will ship on booked delivery date. Catalogs are delivered to bulk mailers well in advance of these dates.